Physics Physics lecturer.

Yeah, so I'm a physics student (sorry, it's obvious, I know) and I am seriously considering taking on a job as a lecturer (a teacher first) after I graduate.

I'm interested to know how is it like, the pay, the monthly allowance, the satisfaction you get, etc. Any current physics lecturer in here, or something similar- or perhaps know something about such issue to give an advice?

Note that in the present economic downturn, some colleges are disposing of lecturers, choosing to instead reduce the number of times per year that upper-level courses are offered (some even being offered every other year).

Being a lecturer does often mean part-time (if there are courses left after tenured and tenure-track faculty fulfill their teaching obligations)... and this means you probably will not receive benefits (health, etc.).

As such, you're a second-rate citizen in the department... even if you get teaching awards and win grants for education research (doing that on the side).

Note: Our department chair is very supportive of lecturers (in our case, it adds to the diversity of the department.. and in my particular case... I've been winning intra-university education research grants to get funds for my class and to go to conference with my research results)... but I still feel this way, and my job is still in jeopardy after this term.

I'd take a lecturer position only if it's the only thing you can get at the time. Honestly.